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Chamber chairman Bill McDonald said: "Although we haven't had any funding from the city council this year, I must say that we have had a great deal of help and support."

Mr McDonald said Tunstall city councillor Lee Wanger had been an active member of the planning and organisation process.

He said: "We couldn't have done it without him, things like closing the roads are very complicated to orchestrate.

"But as usual it's been a brilliant evening.

"We've been very lucky this year to have the support of local businesses sponsoring the event.

"People from Tunstall and across the region love coming to this event every year."

As part of the event, a main road was closed to allow funfair rides and a stage to be set up for the entertainment.

Mr McDonald said: "This night is really aimed at making the children happy so hopefully they really enjoyed themselves."

Michelle James, manager of the Oddfellows Arms in Tower Square, said: "It's always a really fun night, especially for families with young children.

"It gets you in the mood for Christmas and it does give our trade a big boost.

"We like to get in lots of crayons and colouring books to give the children something fun to do if their parents need a quick drink.

"It's got much more of a family feel than the Hanley lights switch on."

Alec Hewitt, aged 37, from Wilson Way in Goldenhill, said: "It's definitely a night for families to enjoy. My children are two and four so hopefully they're now old enough to appreciate the lights when they go on."

Radio DJ and TV presenter, Verity Hilton, aged 45, from Bucknall, who has hosted the event for several years, said: "Tunstall always has a brilliant atmosphere. There's a great community vibe and I always really enjoy hosting these nights."

Comments

I thought it was a poor show for Tunstall traders, no lights on the high street, no lights in Butterfield Place or the Boulevard, no lights on the big roundabout, no lights on the Town Hall, no lights any where by Matalan, Argos or Next, or Asda. Go and have a look at Kidsgrove, they do not have the shops that Tunstall has but they light up the whole town. Even if they have had help from Newcastle Council and Tunstall hasnt they have made a fantastic effort, Come on Tunstall Traders put your hand in your pocket and make Tunstall prroud